Noah Keller jailed for vandalism

Apparently playing Kenickie in your local theater group's production of "Grease" isn't enough to keep you out of jail, or so former Ohio linebacker Noah Keller found out late last week.

According to the Kearney Hub, Keller, 24, was sentenced to 90 days in jail—with one day knocked off for time served—and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine for conspiracy to commit misdemeanor criminal mischief.

To catch you back up to speed here's what led to this point:

• In the wee hours of November 1, 2012, the former Bobcat (and St. Louis Ram) and a pair of buddies got loaded and decided to go for a drive.
• They went to a local baseball field where they tried to bust down the gates, but were only able to dent the truck. Not to be deterred, the trio went to Wal-Mart and bought some bolt cutters before returning to cut the chains on the gate.
• Once inside the park they proceeded to do "cookies" (apparently that's Nebraskan for donuts) on the field, resulting in $100,000 in damages.
• Keller recorded the entire thing on his cell phone and a warrant was later issued for the trio's arrest. He turned himself into authorities back in December and was facing felony charges on conspiracy to attempt criminal mischief. He pleaded no contest.

Fast forward to last Friday, and the Kearney, Neb., native was appearing in court for sentencing. Keller apparently took out loans and had already paid off his share, $34,330, of restitution to the court. He also had received counseling for his alcohol issue, and had become an involved member of the community as a cast member in a local play which has five more performances left in its run.

His public defender was asking for probation, but Judge Bill Wright wasn't having it. Citing that with a lack of a substance abuse issue probation would be a waste of time and money, the judge sent Keller to jail; adding that the "Grease" performance would need to find an understudy to replace Keller.

Apparently some people weren't happy with the judge's decision, as a woman was heard yelling expletives and storming out of the court as the handcuffs were placed on Keller, according to the the Kearney Hub.

If the play is willing to wait a little bit Keller could rejoin them in a little less than two months. He's eligible for early release, with good behavior, after 53 days in jail.